Chippy has done it again, posting a hands-on review and videos of the new Amtek U560. I got an opportunity to get my hands (in the picture) on one of these at CES, and it feels pretty good in the hand, at least when you're trying it out for 3 minutes. It looks and feels a lot like the Sony UX series to which it is frequently compared. As you can see in the picture, it isn't a really small device, but it feels pretty solid. This system runs a full Windows Vista install.

The place where the Amtek seems to shine is the docking station. This adds a full optical drive as well as acting as a port replicator. Final pricing on this device in the US isn't out yet, but based on the UK pricing at Moblx, expect around $1000+.

Technical Specifications (from Amtek site):

• Intel Processor A110,A100
• 600 And 800 MHz 400 MHz FSB, 512k L2 Cache
• "4.8"LCD(1024*600)
• 1XSODIMM Slot,Single Channel,DDR2 400 (Factory Option)
• 1GB Maximum(512MB Default)
• Intel 945GU(Simultaneous And Multi-Monitor)I
• WLAN802.11 B/G
• Ethernet 10/100/1G On Docking
• Blue Tooth V2.0+EDR
• 2-cell battery, Optional 4-cell extended battery pack
• 189x107x36mm, 675g

Docking Station adds:

• 1XDC Jack
• 1XAudio Out
• 3XUSB 2.0
• 1XTV Out (S Video)
• 1X LAN RJ45
• 1X ODD--Combo,Super Multi Option

Frank “CTitanic” Garcia has posted up a video fo the Amtek iTablet T221 on Ultra-Mobile PC Tips that he picked up form todoUMPC.

Allegiance Technology Partners sent us the Amtek T770 Ultra-Mobile PC a couple of weeks ago, and I'm about to publish an InkShow on it later this week.

For those of you who can't wait for the InkShow review, check out this GBM Shortcut for a quick look at this very nice and snappy UMPC. Interesting thing: the harddrive score on the Vista Experience index is .2 points higher than the harddrive in my 2710p: a 4.1

Click To Play

I'm prepping for my Amtek T770 InkShow, so this new rotation utility from todoUMPC member hal9000 should come in very handy - definitely on my install list.

Via CTitanic

jkkmobile wanted more functionality than his Amtek T770 UMPC offered. So, he cracked open the case, installed an industrial strength CF card to add an SSD as the HD and added an HSDPA modem. He’s a braver man than I am. Be warned, lots of naked UMPC photos if you follow the link. There’s also a video (unrated of course.)

Companies like Dell, and others, are hitting the YouTube waves with their own ads. Via is no different, taking an aggressive approach to marketing the devices that house their processors: like OQO, Amtek, etc. You can see my interview with Via here for another example.

This video from Via's ViaArena site, demonstrates the Amtek T700 Ultra-Mobile PC, which we showed off at the GBM Reader Meetup. I've got it in my hands right now and will be putting up an InkShow in the next week or two. Meanwhile, checkout what Via has to say about the Amtek T770.

via MobileWhack

TabletPCBuzz.com's MiniMage has written a pretty thorough review of the Amtek T770 UMPC. With the following specs, this should be a UMPC on everyone's short list:

• 1.2GHZ VIA C7M NaNo Processor
• 1GB RAM
• 40GB hard drive
• 7" touch screen, native 800x480 resolution with 800x600 and 1024x600 emulation
• 802.11b/g wireless
• built-in USB Bluetooth
• 2400mAh battery
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

MiniMage's conclusion:

There's a lot about the Amtek T770 that was done right. It feels good in the hands and is generally quite responsive when using most applications, whether it is reading mail in Outlook, researching a problem on the web, or viewing and editing documents, and it gets along very well with Microsoft's newest generation of client operating systems. It does a pretty good job of not sacrificing ability for portability, however, the issue of standard battery life keeps it from doing a great job; fortunately, there is an extended battery option available. For now, potential owners will need to prefer performance over quick note-jotting and responsiveness of the passive digitizer over the ability to ignore an accidental brush of a digit. Those who need to be able to access resources on company domains will need to consider that this may not be possible without installing a version of the OS that did not come with the device.

Well done, MiniMage.

I’m reporting from the footsteps of the world’s tallest building – Taipei 101.

New pictures are shown that demonstrate both models of this new Amtek U560 model – with the keyboard extended and with it closed. Interestingly, Intel had this model “mounted” to the handle bars of a mountain bike as a concept of “on the go” computing using their McCaslin processor meant for UMPCs.

Another update is that the price point is estimated to be near $1200 (US Dollars) for this model available later this year.

Matt Miller, of MobileDemand, is reporting for GottaBeMobile.com from Computex 2007. MobileDemand produces the rugged Tablet PC, the xTablet T8600.

Matt Miller, of MobileDemand, is reporting for GottaBeMobile.com from Computex Taipei 2007. Expect some daily updates from Matt on the latest announcements from Taipei.

Here is a report from Matt on a new UMPC from Amtek, called the U560:

- Matt Miller, MobileDemand

Amtek is displaying a prototype of their new U560 UMPC and stating mass production by end of 2007. Rumor is that they have an OEM partner in the US signed up to offer under the OEM partner’s brand name.

The U560 is a unique “flip-up” style UMPC with full QWERTY keyboard and is embedded within a slightly larger frame that allows easy holding of the unit. The U560 boasts the Intel McCaslin A110/A100 600MHz/800MHz processor(s) and polymer battery for a good 3600mAh pack with 2 cells. There is a planned 4 cell extended battery pack that can provide superior battery life. It also includes a 1.3M pixel CCD camera.

Initial analysis is the U560 is that it is a quality UMPC with full compliment of options. It’s easy to hold and use, while maintaining a cool case to the touch. One has to keep in mind the ultra portable concept while typing with the small form factor keyboard.

(price point and availability in US to be firmed up tomorrow)